Dr. Vikas Divyakirti is a prominent Indian educator, author, and entrepreneur, best known as the founder and Managing Director of Drishti IAS, a leading coaching institute for Civil Services Examination preparation in India.
Profile
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr. Vikas Divyakirti |
| Date of Birth | 26 December 1973 |
| Place of Birth | Bhiwani, Haryana, India |
| Age | 51 years (as of May 2025) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education |
|
| Occupation | Educator, Author, Lecturer, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Founder and Managing Director of Drishti IAS, a premier coaching institute for UPSC aspirants |
| UPSC CSE Rank | Achieved All India Rank 384 in the 1996 UPSC Civil Services Examination on his first attempt |
| Civil Service Tenure | Served as a Section Officer in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India; resigned after one year to pursue teaching |
| Drishti IAS | Established in 1999 in Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi; has since expanded to multiple branches across India and offers extensive online resources for UPSC preparation |
| YouTube Presence | Launched personal YouTube channel in November 2022; as of January 2025, the channel has over 3.97 million subscribers and 125 million views |
| Family |
|
| Religious Views | Identifies as agnostic; influenced by Osho, Karl Marx, and Max Weber during his academic years |
| Controversies | Faced criticism in 2022 over comments related to the Ramayana; later clarified his statements, emphasizing the importance of context and interpretation |
| Film Appearance | Portrayed himself in the 2023 biographical drama film 12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra |
| Awards & Recognition | Nominated for Padma Awards in 2023 |
Early Life and Education
Dr. Vikas Divyakirti was born on December 26, 1973, in a middle-class family in Haryana, India. From an early age, he displayed exceptional academic brilliance, excelling in his studies and showing a keen interest in intellectual pursuits. He pursued higher education at Delhi University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree, followed by postgraduate degrees, including an MA, MPhil, and a PhD in Hindi Literature. His academic journey also included qualifications like LLB and MBA, showcasing his multidisciplinary approach to education. His scholarly achievements laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors in teaching and public service.
Vikas Divyakirti Family and Personal Life
Dr. Vikas Divyakirti hails from a modest middle-class background in Haryana. Specific details about his parents and siblings are not widely publicized, as he maintains a private personal life. However, his upbringing in a supportive family environment fostered his dedication to education and social impact.
Vikas Divyakirti Wife
Dr. Vikas Divyakirti is married to Dr. Taruna Verma, an accomplished individual in her own right. Dr. Verma serves as the director of Drishti IAS, the coaching institute founded by Vikas. The couple shares a strong partnership, both personally and professionally, working together to build one of India’s most respected civil services coaching institutes. They have a son, and the family resides in Delhi, balancing their professional commitments with personal life.
Vikas Divyakirti Career
Dr. Vikas Divyakirti’s career is a blend of public service, academia, and entrepreneurship. After completing his education, he joined the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) through the UPSC examination in 1996, securing an All India Rank. He served in the Ministry of Home Affairs for a year but resigned in 1997, driven by a passion for teaching and a desire to make a broader impact.
In 1999, Dr. Divyakirti founded Drishti IAS in Delhi’s Mukherjee Nagar, a hub for UPSC aspirants. The institute began modestly but grew into a leading coaching center, known for its student-centric approach and quality teaching. Dr. Divyakirti himself teaches Hindi Literature and General Studies, earning widespread admiration for his engaging lectures and deep subject knowledge. His YouTube channel, Drishti IAS, has millions of subscribers, offering free educational content to UPSC aspirants, making him a household name among students.
Beyond coaching, Dr. Divyakirti is an author and editor. He serves as the editor of Drishti Current Affairs Today, a popular magazine for competitive exam preparation, and has authored books to aid UPSC aspirants. His ability to simplify complex topics and inspire students has made him a mentor to thousands.
In 2023, Dr. Divyakirti ventured into filmmaking with 12th Fail, a movie based on the life of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The film, in which Vikas made a cameo appearance, received critical acclaim and highlighted his interest in meaningful storytelling.
Vikas Divyakirti Net Worth
Estimating Dr. Vikas Divyakirti’s net worth is challenging due to limited public disclosures. However, as the founder of Drishti IAS, a prominent coaching institute, and a content creator with a significant online presence, his net worth exceeds 250 million rupees. Drishti IAS generates substantial revenue through course fees, online programs, and study materials. His YouTube channel and publications like Drishti Current Affairs Today also contribute to his income. While exact figures are unavailable, his financial success reflects his entrepreneurial acumen and widespread influence in the education sector.
Vikas Divyakirti Cars and Lifestyle
Dr. Vikas Divyakirti maintains a relatively modest lifestyle despite his success. There is no verified information about specific cars he owns, as he does not publicly flaunt material possessions. However, given his status and income, it is reasonable to assume he owns mid-to-high-range vehicles common among professionals in his position, such as sedans or SUVs from brands like Toyota, Hyundai, or Mercedes-Benz. His focus remains on education and social impact rather than luxury, aligning with his middle-class roots and values.
Legacy and Impact
Dr. Vikas Divyakirti’s journey from a civil servant to a revered educator and content creator is inspiring. Through Drishti IAS, he has democratized access to quality education, particularly for Hindi-medium students, and his YouTube lectures have reached millions. His emphasis on ethical teaching, affordability, and student welfare sets him apart in the competitive coaching industry. His foray into cinema with 12th Fail further showcases his versatility and commitment to stories of perseverance.
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FAQs
Who is Dr. Vikas Divyakirti?
Dr. Vikas Divyakirti is an educator, author, former civil servant, and the founder of Drishti IAS, a leading UPSC coaching institute in Delhi. He is known for his lectures, YouTube content, and contributions to civil services preparation.
What is Dr. Vikas Divyakirti’s educational background?
He holds multiple degrees, including a BA, MA, MPhil, PhD in Hindi Literature, LLB, and MBA, primarily from Delhi University.
Who is Dr. Vikas Divyakirti’s wife?
Dr. Vikas Divyakirti is married to Dr. Taruna Verma, who is the director of Drishti IAS and a key partner in its operations.
What is Drishti IAS?
Drishti IAS is a coaching institute founded by Dr. Vikas Divyakirti in 1999, specializing in UPSC civil services exam preparation, known for its quality teaching and resources.
Does Dr. Vikas Divyakirti own luxury cars?
There is no confirmed information about his car ownership, but he likely owns mid-to-high-range vehicles suitable for his professional status.
What is Dr. Vikas Divyakirti’s role in 12th Fail?
He made a cameo appearance in the 2023 film 12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, which is based on the life of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma.
Why did Dr. Vikas Divyakirti leave the civil services?
He resigned from the Central Secretariat Service in 1997 to pursue his passion for teaching and to establish Drishti IAS.
How has Dr. Vikas Divyakirti contributed to education?
Through Drishti IAS, his YouTube channel, and publications like Drishti Current Affairs Today, he has provided affordable, high-quality education to UPSC aspirants, especially Hindi-medium students.
Where can I find Dr. Vikas Divyakirti’s lectures?
His lectures are available on the Drishti IAS YouTube channel, which has millions of subscribers, and through Drishti IAS’s online and offline courses.
Social Media Handle
Instagram: @divyakirti.vikas
